Nicoya Canton

Nicoya Canton is an administrative region in Guanacaste Province that spans diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to coastal areas. The territory includes seven districts, each serving residents and visitors with different roles and characteristics.

The area was once the largest indigenous chiefdom on Costa Rica's Pacific coast before Spanish colonizers arrived in the 16th century. Its location made it a key trading point between neighboring regions.

The area maintains local traditions through regular celebrations, crafts, and daily customs that connect people to their past. These practices shape how residents use and experience their communities today.

Route 21 connects the different parts of the region and makes travel between districts and to the coast easier. Visitors can find banks, markets, and basic services in the central areas, especially in the larger towns.

The area is known as a Blue Zone, where residents regularly live well into their nineties and beyond. This phenomenon draws researchers and visitors seeking to understand how local life and environment contribute to long lives.

Location: Guanacaste Province

Capital city: Nicoya

Elevation above the sea: 205 m

Shares border with: Santa Cruz Canton, Bagaces Canton, Cañas Canton, Nandayure Canton, Hojancha Canton

Website: https://nicoya.go.cr

GPS coordinates: 10.20000,-85.43250

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:47